What are hazelnuts?

Hazelnuts are edible nuts that come from the hazel tree, primarily the species Corylus avellana. They are small, round, and have a hard brown shell with a sweet, slightly earthy flavor. Hazelnuts are commonly used in baking, chocolate products, and spreads like Nutella, as well as eaten raw or roasted. They are valued for their rich nutritional content, including healthy fats, protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. In addition to culinary uses, hazelnuts are also grown commercially in several countries, with Turkey being the largest producer.